Lemons newbie

Hey all,

Not sure this is the right forum given this isn't Miata related but here goes anyway...

If things work out I will be joining a Lemons team as a driver for the ECR event on March 1 - 2. I have done only one track event before (Hallett). Is there some kind of Lemons 101 out there somewhere?

We just got the car, a '94 or '95 240sx, back from getting a cage yesterday. Any idea what to expect in terms of how many sets of tires and brake pads/rotors we should have to complete the entire event, assuming everything else holds up, of course? And I hear ECR is brake heavy. The 240 doesn't have as many options in terms of brake pads as the Miata it seems. Hawk Blue or EBC Yellows might be the only track options based on what I've found, though I have no idea how they would hold up endurance-race wise.

Thanks!

I can't help you with parts advice. But as for driving, the key to success in Lemons is no penalties and few stops. Don't drive for best lap times like at a HPDE. Drive to save tires, brakes, and fuel. Team Miagra won at ECR with their Miata because they drove it smart. Ask some of them for tips.

I would be an extra set of tires if possible in case of puncture, and a spare of everything you listed. Also keep a set of stockers just in case all else fails. You really cant have to many spares from what ive seen at lemons. Of course its always what you dont have that breaks, like a rear pass lower control arm ;).

A few random thoughts off the top of my head:
+1 for what Nails said. Slow and steady wins the race.

Attach a timer/clock to the dash roll-bar. Our radio's went out and it's important to know how long you've been on track.

A dash cam is nice if you can easily pull the SD card or somehow be able to play it quickly for the Judges if you need to dispute an incident.

Realize that some people out there don't have any idea what an apex is, let alone a proper pass. Laugh & shake off idiocy instead of trying something retaliatory.

Play the piano on your steering wheel. You don't want a death grip at an AutoX or HPDE either, but if you squeeze the wheel for a two hour stint on track you're toast.

Good Luck!

I raced there last March, all good advice above. a few things i learned were to always take a quick glance for yellow flags before passing. especially early in the race they happen fast and often. get you communication squared away with the team with and without radios. the 240 isn't going to be as bad on brakes as some of the heavier cars. but backups of everything you can carry are in order. i'll be there helping out with a watercooled bug and will look you guys up. if you don't get too serious about it all, its a blast.

ECR is having a trackday 2/22. You could sign up with your Miata (if it has a roll bar), or even the Civic if the SX240 isn't ready. If you get in the green group, you'll get an instructor. It's an opportunity for time on that track before the big event.
http://eaglescanyon.com/wp/

Good idea. Gonna see if they need instructors.

Endurance racing is an entirely different beast than what most are used to. I've never participated in a Lemon's event, but have considered and wanted to. I have been part of a crew for some 24 hour races some might have heard of...... trust me things you don't expect will happen. If you can think of it, it has a good chance of happening. Have more repair parts and gear than you think you will need.

Make a strategy for the race. Look up past race results at the same track. See how many laps they completed. Figure out their average time per lap. Figure out how long your pit stops will take and how many you will need. Then figure out your goal lap time. Rarely if ever exceed your goal lap time even if you can. It just wears out the car and consumes more fuel. Your goal is to run that lap time for the duration of the event to win the event...... that means in the beginning of the race you will feel and look slow. As the race progresses you will get better and feel more confident. Hopefully near the end you will still be around.

You've never done this before, so I recommend you concentrate on racing clean, the "right level of aggressiveness", and don't drive the car past it's limit. Endurance racing is the most challenging, fun, and emotional thing I've ever done. I cried when we won the TWS 24, lol.

Well, I didn't cry when we won our Lemons race, but it is quite a feeling to race for 17 hours and persevere. First time out, take your time, get out of the way of faster cars, pay attention, and try to avoid doing stupid things.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by miataspeedracer

Well, I didn't cry when we won our Lemons race, but it is quite a feeling to race for 17 hours and persevere. First time out, take your time, get out of the way of faster cars, pay attention, and try to avoid doing stupid things.

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Of course you didn't cry, you are German.

Thanks for all the awesome advice everyone! A lot of things I didn't think about before...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by patf

i'll be there helping out with a watercooled bug and will look you guys up. if you don't get too serious about it all, its a blast.

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Great. I'll keep an eye out for your team as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EricJ

ECR is having a trackday 2/22. You could sign up with your Miata (if it has a roll bar), or even the Civic if the SX240 isn't ready. If you get in the green group, you'll get an instructor. It's an opportunity for time on that track before the big event.
http://eaglescanyon.com/wp/

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Brilliant idea. This is now our plan.

If you have any other questions come race weekend, feel free to find us at ECR. We'll be there starting Friday morning. We've reserved a spot under the covered parking area. Look for the orange U-Haul trailer and our Tow Mater Miata.
Michael